Celebrate Black History Month at the DIA
In honor of Black History Month, the DIA presents a variety of events for visitors of all ages. Programs are free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Some highlights include the Detroit Film Theatre's "Pioneers of African American Cinema" series, which features rare, early films by African-American filmmakers, writers and performers; the 25th annual Alain Locke Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12; a performance by famed soul singer and songwriter Bettye LaVette on Thursday, Feb. 23; and a spoken word performance by 2013 Kresge Arts in Detroit Literary Fellow Chace "Mic Write" Morris on Sunday, Feb. 26.
 
The DIA also offers programs that explore African-American history beyond February, including the Afrofuturist Cinema series, curated by AFROTOPIA founder Ingrid LaFleur, which continues in March.
 
Visit bit.ly/DIA_BHM for a complete schedule of events.
Check out these upcoming county events:

"Yalla Eat!: Coffee, Tea and Sweets of the Arab World," Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
Held in conjunction with the DIA's "Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate" exhibition, this interactive evening at the Arab American National Museum introduces a delightful array of sweets, coffees and teas representing various Arab traditions, featuring delicacies from local cafes and confectioneries. Attendees will learn more about the cultural significance of coffee, tea and dessert among Arab Americans and the nations of the Arab world. The event is free and open to the public. Click here to RSVP. 

College Night, Friday, Feb. 17, 6-11 p.m.
Tri-county college students are invited to visit the DIA for a FREE evening of music, games, dancing and more. Activities include free admission to "Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate," live music in Rivera court at 7 and 8:30 p.m., a scavenger hunt with prizes and a dance party. College IDs are required for entry. 
 
Senior Thursdays, every Thursday at 1 p.m. 
This DIA program offers tri-county seniors the opportunity to visit the museum and enjoy programs planned exclusively for them, at no cost, every Thursday. The first Thursday of each month features a guided gallery tour; the second a lecture; the third an art-making class; and the fourth a film. During months with five Thursdays, the fifth Thursday will feature a guided gallery tour. All programs will begin at 1 p.m. The February schedule is:
  • February 9: Lecture: Behind the Seen: Essentials 
  • February 16: Art-making: Luminaries 
  • February 23: Film: "Antarctica: Ice and Sky"

Advance registration for individuals is preferred, but not required. Call 313-833-4005 to register. Free transportation is available for groups of 25 or more. To book a group, call 313-833-1292. 

 
"Get S.T.E.A.M.ed at the DIA," Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  
Last month the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) with partners from the city's arts and scientific museums announced a series of free, fun and exciting events with a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) theme to engage DPSCD families in learning activities after school hours. On Saturday, March 4, the DIA will present videos produced by Detroit Public Television that explore the science of the museum's conservation lab, an investigation of technologies and innovations of ancient civilizations, and talks on other topics. The event is free and open to the public.   Learn more.   

Clark Park Winter Carnival 
Saturday, Feb. 24, noon-4 p.m.
1130 Clark Ave., Detroit

Canton Community Event
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Canton Public Library, 1200 S. Canton Center Rd.
Residents of the American House Senior Living Communities in Wayne and Oakland counties performed at the DIA last month as part of the museum's Senior Thursdays program. The choir was established in 2012 and practices twice a month. Bravo!